When squirrels lay a big store of nuts look for hard winter?

Squirrels don't "lay" nuts like birds lay eggs. They gather and bury nuts in preparation for winter.

Squirrels gather nuts throughout the autumn, and the amount they store depends on several factors:

* The abundance of food: If there are plenty of nuts available, they'll collect more.

* The severity of the previous winter: If the previous winter was harsh and food was scarce, they'll be more likely to gather extra.

* Their individual experience: Older, more experienced squirrels tend to be better at predicting harsh winters and storing more food.

While squirrels don't consciously predict weather, their instincts and past experiences help them prepare for potential challenges.